When Brian Robinson became the first British rider to win a stage of the Tour de France in 1958, alongside writing his name into British cycling history he was also unknowingly setting into motion a journey which will climax with the Yorkshire Grand Depart this year.

The Huddersfield-born rider used to train on the very roads the peloton is set to tackle in July, something which the 83-year-old still can not quite believe.

“A Yorkshire word for it is flabbergasted,” he said, when asked about the imminent arrival of the Grand Depart.

“My part in it has only been a small part, but it has been a really pleasurable part. The hard work has been done by Welcome to Yorkshire.”

And watching the WorldTour peloton tackle his former training loops will be a surreal feeling for Robinson.

He said: “I never even dreamed this would happen in Yorkshire. These were my training roads, and a long time ago I knew them inch-by-inch.

“I am sure everyone will be behind it come July 5, I am really happy it is happening.”